As the cold winter weather passes and the sunlight begins to peek through the clouds, it’s time for kids to escape the clutches of the television and embrace the playground. Whether it’s playing a game of tag, playing a sport, or having fun in the sandbox, many kids will be active this summer.

However, a day in the sun can end with a day at the doctor’s office if proper safety precautions are ignored. Before the kids take a look at the giant slide in the pool, the oversized toys at the park, or the thrilling rides at the amusement park, prepare them with the right footwear and protect them with proper care.

These tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) could save the bottoms of your child’s feet this summer:

– Observe your child’s gait patterns closely. Does your child have toes that point in or out, knock knees, or other gait abnormalities? These problems can be corrected if they are detected early and treated by a podiatrist.

– Children’s feet change size quickly, so always measure your child’s feet every time you buy new shoes.

– When shopping for shoes, look for stiff material on each side of the heel, adequate cushioning, and a built-in arch. The shoe should be bent at the ball of the foot, not the middle of the shoe.

– Never wear used shoes.

– Limit the time children wear platform or heeled shoes and alternate with good quality sneakers or flats. High top sneakers generally help prevent ankle sprains.

– Do not buy shoes that need an “adjustment” period. Good shoes should feel comfortable right away. For athletic activities, choose shoes that are designed for the sport your child will be playing.

– Never pack new shoes for your children to wear on vacation.

– Walking barefoot on the pavement, the carpet of a hotel or airplane, in the bathrooms of a hotel or in a changing room and near the swimming pool can make your child susceptible to a large number of infections. Always wear a pair of flip-flops or strappy sandals made of soft, supple leather to avoid contracting bacteria or fungi such as athlete’s foot or plantar warts.

– When applying sunscreen, don’t forget to put some on your child’s feet. Also, always remember to reapply.

– The lack of complaints from a young person is not a reliable sign. The bones in the growing feet are so flexible that they can become twisted and distorted without a child realizing it.

– Beware of applying home remedies to children’s feet. Preparations strong enough to kill certain types of fungus can damage the skin. The best thing to do is visit an APMA member podiatrist for treatment.

For more information, visit www.FootAnkle.com.